* Line: Redskins by 7

* TV/Radio: Ch. 28, WTVN-AM (610)

* Forecast: Mostly cloudy, windy, high of 54

Story line

The Redskins need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are one of six teams within a game of the final wild-card spot in the NFC. The Bengals are playing for something less romantic: draft position, individual reputations, perhaps a job for next season. So depending on one's perspective, the Redskins either have more motivation or face more pressure. \

\ Key matchup

Bengals DE Antwan Odom vs. Redskins LT Stephen Heyer

Odom is returning from a shoulder injury and is eager to prove he is worth the sizable free-agent contract he signed in March. This is his best chance to shine. Washington's starting left tackle, Chris Samuels, suffered a season-ending arm injury last week, and right tackle Jon Jansen is slowed by an ankle injury. \

\ Numbers and such

Safety Chinedum Ndukwe is expected to miss a fourth consecutive game because of a torn ligament in his left foot. Tight end Ben Utecht is out because of the same injury. ... Running back Chris Perry (groin) will not play, and Kenny Watson (hamstring) is doubtful. Undrafted rookie James Johnson likely will back up Cedric Benson. ... Redskins running back Clinton Portis ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, but he has only 54 yards in his past two games, and early last week he voiced his displeasure with how he has been used. ... The Bengals have placed a franchise-record 23 players on injured reserve; six have since been released. \

\ Bengals win if ...

The offense sustains multiple drives and converts them into points. The drop in production from recent seasons -- and lack of improvement throughout this season -- has been stunning, even considering the loss of quarterback Carson Palmer and the left side of the line. \

\ Bengals lose if ...

Their offensive ineptitude again forces the defense onto the field too long -- and in bad field position too often. Teams with a worse running game than Washington's have wore down the Cincinnati defense; the Redskins should be able to pull away in the fourth quarter, if not sooner. \

\ Prediction

Redskins 20, Bengals 10 \

\ spriestle@dispatch.com